Helping You To Succeed

Children are resilient. I have heard it said all the time. But they are also very fragile little beings. Traumatic events, no matter the stage in life it occurs, are just that; traumatic. As adults we struggle with our own issues, and it is even more of a battle for young minds to explore or ask for help for things they do not even understand.

Childhood trauma is real. Things we as adults just process as everyday events and move on from, can burden a child. The ongoing stress manifests itself in different behaviors. Not all children become violent and lash out, and not all will become reclusive and introverted.

Therapists have noted that even children who may have indirectly experienced a traumatic event, exhibit symptoms of PTSD. In the weeks and months following a traumatic event, some children may show signs of:

• Poor self-esteem
• Self-destructive behavior
• Fear
• Anger and aggression
• Anxiety
• Feelings of isolation
• Depression

Deal with the wounds of your childhood, or continue to bleed as an adult.

Changes in appetite, irritability, a loss of interest in the things the usually love doing and refusing to be sociable are warning signs that they are not coping well with whatever has transpired. As with adults living under stressful conditions for any extended period begin to develop health problems, so too children with unresolved traumatic experiences may develop lifelong health issues. The longer it remains untreated, the higher the risk for problems later in life.

There is assistance out there, and it should be sought out. But there is also a support structure within the home that can help reduce the impact that trauma has. You can discuss their feelings and be open and honest with them. Reassuring the child, and validating the emotions help them to feel more comfortable to talk about the event.

This week’s Illustrated Short story introduces us to a young lady who overcame childhood trauma. Click the link and enjoy.

Struggling with childhood trauma, or know someone who is?

Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information about support and treatment facilities in your local area.